
n ^ ELd ^ KI Id) 




CHEAP EDITION 

(ABRIDGED) 

TEN CENTS 




LE FAVOR'S 

CURIO STORE 



is not on the front street, but it will 
pay you to look for it — in the rear 
of the Metropole Hotel, 200 feet 
straight ahead from the steamer wharf 

Headquarters for 

MOONSTONE, ABALONE SHELL 
and BLISTER PEARL JEWELRY 

VERY 
CHEAP 



UNMOUNTED SPECIMENS ^'^^•'^ 



PENNANTS IN NEW DESIGNS 

Prices Reasonable 



LE FAVOR 



PAYS LESS RENT 
SAVES YOU MONEY 



Ask for illustrated "Story of the Abalone," free to 
visitors. Contains much interesting information 
not easily obtainable, and is a souvenir in itself. 

STATIONER Y PHONOGRAPHS 

BOOKS, MUSIC and PICTURES 

DOLLS, TOYS a7id GAMES 

TRUNKS and BAGS 



L E FAVOR'S 

Stamford Bldg. Metropole Ave. 




IfotplltliUar 



ON OCEAN FRONT 

All Outside Rooms 
Prices Reasonable 
Quiet and Comfortable 

H. D. MACRAE CO., Proprietors. 

Avalon, Catalina Island 
California 



fflurtus ^nh ^tummm 



LOOK FOR THE SIGN OF 



H. D. MACRAL CO. 



TAKE HOME A SOUVENIR OF CATALINA ISLAND 



We desire to call your 
attention to our large 
line of fishing tackle. 
The largest selection on 
the coast suitable for the 
big fish of Catalina 
Island. You are cor- 
dially invited to call and 
inspect our large line of 
Catalina mounted fish. 



We carry the finest line of Aba- 
lone Pholas (Blister) Pearls on the 
coast. 

Sole agents for the Celebrated Guar- 
anteed Sea Kelp Souvenirs. 

We also Carry a large lineof Abalone 
Shell Jewelry, Catalina Moonstones, 
Corals, Shells, Indian Baskets, 
Navajo Blankets, etc., etc. 



WILSON'S GUIDE 

TO 

AVALON The Beautiful 

AND THE 

ISLAND OF SANTA CATALINA 

WITH THIRTY ILLUSTRATIONS 



HARRY WILSON, M. A. 

/I 

SECOND AND CONDENSED EDITION 



The complete edition of this book, with full information about everything connected with Avalon, 

with sixty illustrations and including "The Story of the Wise Old Bird," 

can be obtained for 25 cents. 

Great care has been taken to secure accuracy and correct information in this book, but the author 
cannot hold himself responsible for the consequence of any errors that may be found, or of 
any change in times, prices, etc. He has done his best to provfde the visitor with 
as accurate information as possible, and wishes him a pleasant and enjoya- 
ble stay at Avalon. The author will be glad to receive corrections 
in preparation for another edition of this book. 

The reader of this Guide will derive great assistance from the use of Wilson's Map of Avalon and 
Catalina Island (price 25 cents) which is published as a companion to this work. 



PUBLISHED By 

THE WILSON MAP & GUIDE CO. 
Avalon, Cal. and 118 South Broadway, Los Angeles, Cal 

1914 

Copyright 19H by Harry Wilson 



rs(.^ 



HOTEL STAMFORD 

A SHORT HALF BLOCK FROM WHARF 
METROPOLE AVE. 

Rooms single or ensuite, with or 
without housekeeping — electricity 
for cooking — a comfortable house 
close to the front at popular prices 

$1.00 a Day and Up 

J. H. STAMFORD 

Hardware and Paints 



Plymouth Manila Rope Agent for 

Anchors — Chain Chi- Namel — Jap-a-lac 

Life Preservers Hygienic Kalsomine 

All Kinds of Boat Supplies Heath & MUligan Products 

1 0c and 1 5c Counters 



Tt; ■ 

STAMFORD HOTEL BUILDING Metropole Ave. 

, 1 1 J |\J ! q m r The street Opposite 

^ CI, A S TG 3 1 2' the Steamer Wharf 



Avalon The Beautiful and the Island 
of Santa Catalina 



How to Spend Your Time. 

Three Hours at Avalon. 

The great majority of those who visit Avalon come only for a few hours, at 
least on their first visit. They come over by the morning boat and they return 
the same afternoon. They reach Avalon about twelve twenty, and as the 
steamer returns at a quarter to four (out of the season somewhat earlier), this 
leaves the visitor, at the most, three clear hours for sightseeing. 

The pity of it is that so much of these three hours is generally wasted for 
want of previous knowledge and arrangement. 

There are two things that must be done during these three hours: the first is, 
lunch, and the second is a visit to the Marine Gardens. The latter is abso- 
lutely imperative. To visit Avalon and not see the Marine Gardens is like 
going to Niagara and not seeing the Falls. And as the cra\'ings of hunger 
are a great bar to any kind of enjoyment, lunch must not be neglected. 

What the visitor should do as soon as he leaves the pier is to turn sharp to 
the right and visit the Information Bureau, and, if necessary, exchange his 
ticket for a special pass for the returning steamer. This is to prevent disappoint- 
ment in the event of the steamer being crowded. He should then either take 
lunch at a restaurant or procure it at a grocery store for consumption on his way 
to the marine gardens in a glass-bottom boat. N. B. — Sand Dabs are excellent. 

The next thing for him to do is to go to the Pleasure Pier and endeavor 
to fit in a visit to the Seal Rocks with his excursion to the Marine Gardens. 
If one of the fast motor boats is starting for Seal Rocks, he should make that 
journey first. It will take about three quarters of an hour, and there will be 
ample time for a visit to the Marine Gardens afterwards. If on the other hand 




Glass-bottom Power-boat 



Glass-bottom Row-boat 



the motor boat has gone, he maj- take tickets for a later journey in it, and visit 
the Marine Gardens first. 

There are two kinds of glass-bottom boats, the large power-boats which 
accommodate upwards of one hundred people at a time, and the row-boats which 



WILSON'S GUIDE TO AVALON 

take some sixteen on each trip. One of the large boats usually starts a few min- 
utes after the arrival of the steamer and returns in about an hour, after visiting 
the Marine Gardens in the vicinity of Abalone Point. On its return another 
boat is started on a similar trip. The time when these boats leave is announced 
by megaphone on the arrival of the steamer. 

The comparative advantages of the large and small glass-bottom boats 
are as follows: the smaller boats can go closer to the rocks, and show portions 
of the Gardens which the larger boats cannot visit. On the other hand, the 
larger boats will cover a much larger amount of the Gardens than the smaller 
ones. Those who are staying on the Island are strongly advised to use both 
kinds of glass-bottom boats. 

The large power-boats are owned by the Meteor Boat Co. The row-boats 
are usually owned by the boatman who is in charge. 

A Day at Avalon. 

People who are remaining one night at Avalon are advised first of all to get 
lunch and to secure a location for the night, then to visit the Marine Gardens 
at Sugar Loaf in a glass-bottom row-boat; at 3 o'clock to take the glass-bottom 
power-boat to Seal Rocks. This will bring them back to Avalon about 4:30. 
They should then stay on the Pleasure Pier and watch the return of the fishing 
launches, the weighing of the fish, and the feeding of the seals; they should 
also secure a place for the night trip in the speed motor-boat; this must 
on no account be missed. 

7:30 p. m., Open Air Concert in Greek Theatre. 9 p. m.. View, or join in, 
the dancing in the Pavilion. These two engagements must be worked in with the 
expedition in the speed motor-boat to see the flying fish. If a visitor cares for 
music and does not care for dancing, he will arrange to go by a late trip in the 
motor-boat which will probably be the best as the night will be darker. On the 
other hand, if he wishes to join in the dancing he will make a point of taking a 
ticket for an early trip in the motor-boat. 

Next Morning. 

Do not get up to see the sun rise as in summer it is always cloudy in the 
early morning. Those who wish to make the most of their time will go swimming 
at half past seven, and then dress and get breakfast, and be ready at 9 o'clock 
either to take the stage coach to the Summit, or the glass-bottom power-boat 
to Moonstone Beach, or the speed motor-boat to the Isthmus. All these trips 
return about 11:30 a. m., and a visit to the Aquarium may be made before lunch. 

After lunch, visit Buena Vista Park by the Incline Railway, where an 
admirable view can be had, and light refreshments may be obtained. A walk 
may be made along the road above Buena Vista Park which leads down by 
Pebbly Beach, and a return made along the seashore. This is a beautiful 
expedition, and an hour and a half should be sufficient for a good walker. Or a 
visit may be made to the Old Wireless Station via St. John's Heights, return- 
ing by the Coach Road; this will take about forty minutes. 

For Those Spending Two Days at Avalon. 

If the stay is extended over two nights, we strongly advise that either the 
morning or the afternoon of the second day should be spent in a fishing expedi- 
tion on a launch. This costs $5.00, but it is well worth-while, as it will give 
a reminiscence that will last a life time. 



WILSON'S GUIDE TO AVALON 

A visit to Descanso should be included and if the tide is low the energetic 
will like to ascend Sugar Loaf, from which there is a beautiful view of Avalon. 

Also, the stage drive to the Summit is full of interest. If the fishing can be 
arranged for the afternoon, an expedition to the Summit, or by glass-bottom 
power-boat to Moonstone Beach (this trip includes a visit to the Marine 
Gardens at Sugar Loaf and along the coast and is well worth taking); or the 
Isthmus, may be taken in the morning. The arrangements for the fishing 
should be made on the previous day, application being made on the Pleasure 
Pier to the owners of launches. If the fishing expedition takes place in the 
morning, the afternoon may advantageously be spent bj' an expedition to the 
Summit, or failing this, to Descanso Canyon or Pebbly Beach. 

A charming walk can be taken inland past the Golf Links to "Chicken 
Johnnie's;" or a game of golf or tennis may be plaj'ed, for which all requisites 
can be rented at the Golf House; or a row-boat mav be hired at the Pleasure 
Pier. 

For those who stay more than two nights on the Island, we strongly recom- 
mend the complete trip round the Island. For this excursion the boat starts 
at 9 o'clock and returns about 5 p. m., lunch being served at thelsthmus, and 
included in the cost of the trip. The scenery on the other side of the Island is 
magnificent and full of interest. 

The Seals. 

A constant source of interest and amusement are the seals which frequent 
the Bay of Avalon, and who make their home at Seal Rocks, some three miles 
away. These seals are not of the species which supply the valuable seal-skin, 
but are considerably larger, and from the roar which they make when they are 
hungry have acquired the title of Sea-lions. During the day time some of them 
are almost alwavs to be seen near the Pleasure Pier. 




'Old Ben" on the Parade at Avalon. 



These seals have become very tame, so much so that they often seize the 
fish that have been caught as soon as they are thrown upon the landing float. 
Sometimes they can be tempted on to the pier, or even on to the road. Though 
in appearance they are very ferocious, they have never been known to harm 
anyone. 



BAKER PHOTO CO 

On. the Beach by the Bath House 

Sole Eastman Agency 



Kodak Finishing, N. C. Films, Kodaks for Rent 

Submarine Garden Postals 
Fine Island Views 



CATALINA HEADQUARTERS FOR 
EVERYTHING PHOTOGRAPHIC 



CATALINA ISLAND 

Glidden Family Flats 

ONE OF THE BEST LOCATIONS IN AVALON 

Two, three and four room flats completely furnished, up 
to date for housekeeping. Single rooms and porches for 
sleeping. Wide cool porches with hammocks. Clean, 
airy rooms and good beds, with view of ocean and moun- 
tains; and reasonable prices. 

ELECTRIC LIGHTS 



For any further information write or call at 

Glidden Flats 

Maiden Lane, North of Grand View Hotel 



WILSON'S GUIDE TO AVALON 

nine holes has been laid out with great care, the hazards being ail entirely natural, 
no artificial bunkers having been made. 

Tennis 

The Tennis Courts are situated close to the Club House, and are much used 
during the summer months. Both the Golf Course and the Tennis Courts are 
open to all visitors at a moderate charge. All that is necessary for these games 
can be rented or purchased at the Club House. The Golf Links are open all the 
year round. 

Hunting 

There are a large number of wild goats in all parts of the Island except in the 
immediate vicinity of the town of Avalon, but the best ground for hunting is in 
the Salta Verde district, where a large section of the Island has been cut off by 
fences and reserved for hunting purposes. 

Visitors who wish to hunt have to employ the services of a guide, who will at 
least give them the opportunity of showing what they can do with a rifle. Appli- 
cation should be made at the Information Bureau, where guides and horses, and 
if necessary, rifles can be hired. No hunting is permitted unless a guide is taken. 




Catalina Harbor 
Ancient Pirate Harbor 



EASTMAN AND ANSCO KODAKS AND CAMERAS 

FILMS PHOTO SUPPLIES 



P. V. REYES 

^l)otograpl)er 

Developing and Printing done by Professional Men 
NO TANKS USED 

SANTA CATALINA ISLAND, CAL. 



THE FINEST PANORAMIC VIEWS IN STATE 
FISH PHOTOS KODAKS FOR RENT 



On the Sea Front, Overlooking the Harbor 
Close to the Bath House 



Bay Vie^v Hotel 



All the rooms in the hotel have windows com- 
manding a view of the sea front and Avalon 
Harbor. The principal bathing place is immedi- 
ately opposite the Bay View Hotel, as is also 
the favorite anchorage for visiting yachts. The 
Hotel faces the center of life on the water. 



WIDE PORCHES MODERATE PRICES 

^j^^ M. M. LARHART, Proprietor 

Camp Columbia Avalon, Catalina Island, Cal. 



WILSON'S GUIDE TO AVALON 

Deep Sea Fishing 

Everj'onc knows that the great attraction of Avalon is the Deep Sea Fishing. 

The waters around this Island not only swarm with great fishes, but they swarm 
with fish which are not only great but game. Many fish will give up and come to 
the surface of the water as soon as they are hooked: not so the great game-fish, 
the Leaping Tuna, the Leaping Sword Fish, the Black Sea Bass, the 
Albicore, the YellowtaiL etc.; they will fight for their lives, and fight until 
their last breath, and with the tackle that is in use at Avalon, in a great number 
of cases especially when dealing with inexperienced fishermen, they fight success- 
fully and break away. Such fishing is no mere slaughter, and the fish when 
they are caught for the most part find their way eventually into the market 
and are used for food. 

Row-boat Fishing 

Row-boats can be hired at the Pleasure Pier, and the sum charged covers 
the hire of fishing tackle and bait. An "anchor" should be taken to secure the 
boat from drifting with the tide. Some of the best spots for hand-line fishing are 
off the Sugar Loaf, beyond Descanso Beach, beside the kelp-bed off the 
Torqua Springs, off the rock between Moonstone Beach and White's Land- 
ing, off Abalone Point, and off Jewfish Point. These are some of the best 
spots, but just outside any bed of kelp is sure to be a good place for fishing; while 
there is no place in the sea near Avalon where large fish may not be 
caught. 



Meals a la carte Excellent Service 



Bri stol 




The largest and most Exclusive Cafe 

on the Island. 
We excell in Fish dinners. 
Lunch counter in connection. 
Fresh Bakery Goods every day. 

SUPERIOR COFFEE AVALON, CAL. 

VUICH, PAVLOVICH, GIURASICH Proprietors 




Mi \k 
Mwnm 

fji risrth uy Early in 
morftiiw and Disturbetfc 
tN wl5«fe IfottStHold. 

^, Wtghty are Wm fm^nW^m 

Vtgctth forth fuit <it^m. 
and wmn th Bay is far Mm 

Dnnk ami ti?i OriOli \yM~^ 
Ifim. 



'Behold the Fishermnn" 



WILSON'S GUIDE TO-AVALON 




Speed Motor Boat Geco — Note Clearness of Water. The Feet of the Swimmer 
Foreground Are Clearly Visible Even Though He Is Treading Water. 



The Speed Motor Boats and the Flying Fish * 

The swift Motor-Boats that have lately been introduced at Avalon have 
added a fresh pleasure for the visitors. These light launches, with their powerful 
engines, skim over the water at some fifteen or even twenty miles an hour, and 
an excursion in them is very delightful both in day-time and especially at night. 
The night trip is indeed an extraordinary experience! The boat is armed with a 
powerful searchlight which sweeps over the sea in every direction. As the beams 
hit the water, the flying fish, which seem to exist in innumerable multitudes, are 
disturbed by it and rise at once into the air. Scores of them may be seen at the 
same time, flying under the beams of the searchlight; flashes of the most brilliant 
silver hurtling through the air. Sometimes a misguided fish will fly straight for 
the searchlight and arrive in the boat in the midst of the passengers, and on some 
trips dozens have been caught in this manner. 

The whole trip is weird and extraordinary to the last degree. The searchlight 
playing upon the steep mountain sides, arousing the seals from their sleep at 
Seal Rocks, lighting up the waters on every side is an experience which everyone 
who visits Avalon should make a point of recording in their memory. The 
credit of inventing this new sensation is due to the energy of Mr. McAfee, who 
first introduced the great searchlight to Avalon, and used it on The Geco to 
rouse the flying fish in 1912, and who has another record to his credit by being the 
first to make the circuit of the Island in 33^ hours on The Catalina Flyer. 



WILSON'S GUIDE TO AVALON 



Around the Island 

The voyage round the island is a most delightful excursion andean be made 
either in one of the regular boats or in a large launch hired for the occasion. 
When the whole expedition is not practicable The Isthmus or, at least Moonstone 
Beach should be visited. Wilson's Map of the Island will be found most 
useful on the expedition. 



Leaving the Pleasure Pier at Avalon we pass 
by Lover's Cove and Abalone Point and soon 
reach Pebbly Beach, Look Out Point and 
Five Dollar Beach. The Indians who dwelt 
here made use of the high rock at the point 
as a "look out" for their boats returning from 
the mainland or from fishing. Pebbly Beach 
is by far the largest beach on the whole Island, 
and has a lovely canyon behind it. On Five 



It is the custom to carry all the garbage along 
the coast as far as Five Dollar Beach, before 
it is dumped; and a good part of the next day 
was spent by the proprietor in raking over the 
garbage at this beach to recover the hundred 
dollars in silver which had been his previous 
day's takings! 

We next come to Jew Fish Point, where the 
fisherman drops his line when he cannot catch 




Church Rock 



Dollar Beach a fisherman once lost a five-dol- 
lar gold coin, which has never been recov- 
ered, though the owner spent two weeks trying 
to find it. A lady's gold watch has also been 
lost here and is still somewhere among the 
rocks and there is still another story connected 
with it, which would certainly give it an addi- 
tional claim to be considered the real "treasure 
beach" of the Island. 

A certain merchant in Avalon, not possessing 
a burglar proof safe, was in the habit of hiding 
his day's takings every evening in a place 
where it was exceedingly unlikely to be sought 
for, even by the most enterprising burglar; 
viz, at the bottom of his garbage can. One 
morning he overslept himself, and the garbage 
man arrived and removed the contents of the 
can before the proprietor of the store woke up. 



fish anywhere else, and usually finds something; 
and then we turn round at Seal Rocks, the end 
of the island where the sea lions live, and sleep 
and roar and bring up their babies. 

We are now in the great yellowtail fishing 
grounds, and pass Middle Rock, which marks 
the middle of the ground; and next we come to 
Church Rock, standing well away from the 
shore, and as we approach it looks like a cathe- 
dral with a high spire. 

Then Binnacle Rock stands up like the 
binnacle of a ship in front of us, and looks like 
a good place for a bold diver to dive from, if 
he could get to the top. From here looking out 
to sea we have a fine view of Clemente Island, 
which may be visited on another occasion. 

Soon after this we come to the cliffs at the end 
of the Avalon Canyon, and then we pass under 



WILSON'S GUIDI': TO AVALON 




Ben Weston's 



the Palisades, a very remarkable precipice 
fifteen hundred feet high. The angle is steep, 
but not quite perpendicular, and the rocks are 
water-worn into long, straight, upright ridges, 
which look like huge palisades. 

We next come to Silver Canyon, where the 
beach is marked by a large rock called Silver 
Canyon Rock. The entrance to this canyon 
is very narrow, but behind it widens out and 
forms a popular camping ground in the summer 
and autumn months. 

We here pass the Salta Verde, a wide, open 
slope, which is a great grazing ground for the 
sheep The name "Salta Verde," the "Green 
Leap," is taken from a high precipice which is 
covered with verdure in the rainy season. It 
is on this coast that we come across a remark- 
able range of color cliiTs; the predominating 



color of the rocks seems to be lavender or light 
mauve, but yellow, red, pink, green and grey 
all blend together producing a most beautiful 
effect. 

As we pass down the coast we notice a 
quantity of volcanic ash and from this point 
looking backward, we get a magnificent view of 
the cliffs near the end of the Island. The high 
ridges seem to come down from the mountains 
and to have been cut off almost sheer, forming 
cliffs nearly five hundred feet high, right down 
into the sea. 

We next come to China Point, which is a 
famous smuggling ground for Chinamen. 
Nearly a score were caught in 1911. It seems 
that the practice has been to land Chinamen 
who are endeavoring to enter America on San 
Clemente Island, which is further from the 




Little Harbo 



Dobson's Pavilion Cafe 

^::^(Opposite the Tleasure Tier) 

Noted For fine cooking and excellent service. 
A large menu to select from. 
Try our 35c fish dinner, ready to serve at noon. 
We cater to those who want the best. 

RLASONABLI. PRICES. 
SPILCIAL BLILNDE^D COPfLf:. 

Tresh Tish TLbery 'Horning and TLbening 



"WINDLE'S'' 



Circulating Library 
Magazines, Books, Stationery 
Tobacco and Cigars 
L.A. Newspaper Agencies 



E. WINDLE, Prop. 

Aquarium Building 

OPPOSITE HOTEL METROPOLE 



Avalon Mercantile 
Company 

"The 

Drv Goods 
Store" 



Men's and Ladies' Fur- 
nishings, Bathing Suits, 
Caps and Shoes 



FREE FOR COOKING GAS 

Tents, Cottages and Apartments 

FURNISHED COMPLETE FOR HOUSEKEEPING 

= NO GASOLINE WORRY = 

Electric Lignts and Gas in All Apartments 
Offices: 107 Catalina Ave. and Pacific Hotel 

B. R. SCOTT, Agt. AVALON. CAL- 



THE ISLAND 

Cash Grocery 



DEALERS IN 

Groceries, Fresh Meats, 
Fruits, Vegetables, Deli- 
cacies, Bakery Goods, 
Hardware, Paints, etc. 
Lunches put up for fishing 



parties. 



Milk 



Fresh 
Ice 

MILLER & DONALDSON, Props. 



Glass Bottom 
Boat 

"TEDDY 

Sail Boats 
Row Boats 

FIRM 

Gifford C^ Greenslade 

Ask for 

"Teddy" 



?? 



ALBERT 

SELLS ICE CREAM 



Jevne's Quality Goods at Los Angeles Prices 



WILSON'S GUIDE TO AVALON 



coast than Catalina. They then make their 
way in a launch to China Point, which is a 
very desolate spot. Here a pretence is made of 
carrying on an abalone fishery, and the would- 
be immigrants are made use of for capturing 
abalones until an opportunity conies of ship- 
ping them to the mainland. It is exceedingly 
difficult to catch them in this neighborhood, as 
a lookout is kept from the hills behind, and at 
the least appearance of danger any new comers 
can easily hide themselves and the officers 
find a harmless camp of abalone fishermen. 
It is rumored that some have been sent across, 
in disguise, by means of the passenger boat from 
Avalon, which would be a very simple method 
of entrance into the country and one not easy 
to detect. 

Beyond this we come to Ben Weston's 
Beach, which is a sandy but unsafe landing. 
It is here that two canjons come down to the 
sea, on the left Middle Ranch Canyon, and 
on the right Bullrush Canyon, both are 
narrow at this point, but they widen inland 
and stretch far into the heart of the Island. 
This Beach is named from an old time squatter 
who kept sheep here many years ago, and the 
point just passed is also named for him. 

A little further on we come to Cottonwood 
Canyon, an excellent camping ground, with 
its groves of Cottonwood trees and a pretty 
waterfall. 

We now come to Little Harbor, a double 
harbor divided by great rocks in the center. 
The beach on the right of these rocks is danger- 
ous from the breakers, but that on the left is 
well protected and forms an excellent landing. 
This harbor, which may be called a secret one, 
as when we visited it, it was not until we were 
right inside that we discovered the boat of 
some Japanese fishermen, who were diving 
after abalones. Probably they were also 
engaged in smuggling. On the shore near the 
beach there are the remains of an old hotel 
and a couple of houses, and at a short distance 
back the coach-road, which runs both to Avalon 
and the Isthmus, may be seen on the side of 
the hill. 

As we pass down the coast the scenery con- 
tinues to be wild and rugged; there are grand 
cliffs some three hundred feet high, and red 
hills tinged with yellow with but scanty 
vegetation and a few bushes that stand out 
individually from the bare ground. 

As we go down the coast towards Lobster 
Bay the last thing in the world we could 
imagine would be that we were right at the 
mouth of the best harbor in the whole Island, 
or indeed of the whole district. In our youth 
we used often to read stories about pirates. 
The great necessity for pirates seems to have 
been a secret harbor, one to which they could 
retire and which no one else knew about, a 
harbor which they could enter by a winding 
passage and conduct their ship behind the 
hills where no one who did not know the 
entrance would have a chance to find them. 
There must be a high hill close by where one of 
the crew can watch for the "fat merchantman" 
sailing up the coast. When the booty has been 
secured, there must be a harbor of refuge 
where it can be disposed of in due season; and 
there must be a sandy beach where the pirate 



ship may be careened and the barnacles 
scraped off its sides, which might hinder its 
swift progress. When chased by revenue 
cutters it dodges behind an Island and then 
completely vanishes. Such is Catalina 
Harbor! It is known that it was used by 
pirates even as late as the middle of the last 
century and it seems impossible to believe 
that there can be another harbor in all the 
world so admirably fitted for pirates as Cata- 
lina Harbor. One might sail a dozen times up 
and down the coast and never find it; and the 
pirates who were numerous at one time on this 
coast undoubtedly made use of it. Naturally 
they have left no remains behind them, 
except perhaps the treasure concealed at 
Treasure Beach. 

The highest point in this part of the Island is 
called Silver Peak, nearly two thousand feet 
high, and below it are steep precipices. From 
these the land slopes down more gradually to 
the sea, the color of the ground being very 
brilliant; a mixture of yellow ochre and burnt 
sienna would perhaps paint the color of these 
hills. The whole appearance of this end of the 
Island is exceedingly wild and desolate, and 
the word which probably best describes it is 
"inhospitable." 

Passing near to Bull's Head, we notice with 
interest the Ribbon Rocks where the dark 
cliffs are marked with white strata some two 
feet wide, and which look like ribbons. At one 
spot near the head there is a peculiar white 
patch of an entirely different kind of rock 
which is of a rather remarkable nature.. 

The scenery down this section of the coast 
is exceedingly wild and rugged. There is 
practically only one place where a landing is 
possible, viz., in Iron Bound Bay. In the 
center of this Bay there is what is called 
Spring Landing, and in calm weather a 
skiff might perhaps be safely brought to shore. 
We doubt whether anyone has landed on this 
beach for years, as there are but few attractions 
here. Where the cliffs are not perpendicular, 
they are exceedingly steep, and if anyone had 
business on the mountain side he could get 
there much more easily from the other side of 
the Island. 

Soon we come to Treasure Beach, where 
tradition says that certain pirates hid their 
treasure. VVhether the treasure is still there 
or not no one now will ever know as a large 
landslide has occurred which has dumped a 
great mass of stones and earth.upon the beach 
and safely protects the treasure which does or 
does not lie beneath it. 

Next we pass near Eagle Rock, some way 
from the shore, with an eagle's nest on top of 
it about eighty feet above the sea. The eagles 
still use this nest and young eagles may be 
seen there every spring. The coast-line here 
is grand and broken; the Pacific rollers dash 
upon every point, and spouting caves are 
numerous. 

We next come to Land's End, a very sharp 
point of solid rock, which forms a fitting end 
to the Island, and turning round we soon see 
Smuggler's Glen, where there is not much of 
a glen, and where the smugglers have naturally 
not left any remains behind. The goats on this 
part of the shore should especially be noticed 



WILSON'S GUIDE TO AVALON 



They are supposed to be the old, wild goats 
which originally inhabited the Island before 
the Franciscan Fathers introduced another 
variety. They have silvery grey ooats, and 
are very large in size. They resemble the 
Angora goat, but probably they have "crossed" 
to a certain extent with the other goats on the 
Island so may have lost some of their qualities. 
We soon reach Parsons' Beach, where the 
foundations of a shack built by an old-time 
sailor of the name of Parsons, may still be 
seen. Some half mile or so back from this 
beach there are the remains of a house where a 
French miner, Bouchet by name, lived for 
many years. Local traditions still tell of the 
splendid furniture this house contained, but 
it seems that even this was not considered by 
Madame Bouchet to be sufficient compensa- 
tion for her retirement from the joys of Paris. 



stood, with brick porches and large pillars, 
baving moldings and decorations, which show 
that the original Johnson must have been a 
man of some wealth and some taste. Here 
also at one time there was a large mining camp. 
Beyond the next point we come to How- 
land's, where the coach-road ends. It was 
here that a rancher of that name lived for 
many years, and kept a large number of sheep 
upon this part of the Island. His three sons 
have now migrated to San Clemente, where 
they hold a lease from the Government and 
conduct a large sheep ranch. The shack where 
the family once lived may be seen upon the 
beach. Near to Howland's there is a new little 
house which was built one Sunday in the 
winter of 1911, for a man named Sullivan, 
who had lived for many years on Bird Island, 
but who happened at that time to be homeless. 




Eagle Rock 



From the excavations which he left behind 
him, it is evident that this miner went deep 
into the heart of Catalina Island, but what he 
found there no one knows as he was not of a 
communicative nature. Anyhow it seems to 
have been sufficient to enable him to return 
with Madame Bouchet to his native land, 
where it is hoped they lived to a good and 
comfortable old age. 

Ram Point (or Arrow Point as it is some- 
times called), with its magnificent cliffs, comes 
next, and we then pass close to Indian Rock, 
a small island which was used as a burying 
ground by the Indians in early days and which 
is situated in Emerald Bay, so called from 
the beautiful transparent green which is the 
remarkable coloring of the water in the bay. 
On the shore of Emerald Bay is found 
Johnson's Landing, where once a good house 



A party of working men from Avalon arranged 
to have a "building bee" and came over 
bright and early one Sunday morning and put 
the house right up, and left it standing when 
they went away at night. 

Beyond we come to Cherry Canyon. In 
the background one can see a grove of ever- 
green cherry trees some forty feet in height; 
and some little distance further along the coast 
we notice a water tank on the hill-side, which 
is used for supplying the Isthmus with water. 
The bluff north of the beach forms a good 
likeness to a Lion's Head, and gives a name 
to this point; and on the slopes of the hills 
the coach-road, which has come by another 
route than ours all the way from Avalon, will 
be observed. 

The next brach is called Fourth of July 
Harbor, and we now come to the Isthmus 




"Ideal Sailing" 
A Brisk Breeze and a Smooth Sea 



WILSON'S GUIDE TO AVALON 



where the Island is only about half a mile wide. 
The Isthmus has been planted with trees, and 
there are a few houses here which are inhabited 
in the summer time. Mr. J. B. Banning has 
erected a beautiful home which may be seen 
on the left, and at the back are the Govern- 
ment barracks which were erected for the 
accommodation of a number of soldiers who 
at one time were maintained here. On the 
the other side of the Isthmus we come to Cata- 
lina Harbor which we have already visited. 

Leaving the Isthmus Cove we pass on the 
right Fisherman's Cove, which is the only 
absolutely safe harbor for fishing boats in all 
weathers in this part of the Island. As the Cove 
is small, staples have been fastened into the rock 
to which the fishermen may attach the ropes 
that hold their boats. At the back of the Cove 
is the charming litrle summer residence of 
Mrs. Trask, who is well-known for the 
researches she has made into the habits of the 
Indians who lived on this Island. 

As we pass the point we have a very fine 
view of Ship Rock, which at a distance is like 
an old fashioned ship at full sail, and which 
is so "life-like" as easily to deceive anyone 
who does not know that it is really a rock. 
At a shorter distance we notice Bird Rock, 
a large flat rock, much frequented by sea 
birds. 

At the next point we come to Perdition 
Caves, which if possible should be entered; 
this, however, is only practicable with a row- 
boat and in calm weather. There is a large 
cave which has the appearance of a great, blue 
cavern, with the clear, blue water and red 
gold-fish swimming in it down below. On 
some portions of the walls and roof red ochre 
may be noticed, which it is believed that the 
Indians used for painting their faces. At the 
end of the large cave there is a long narrow 
passage to the right which passes under the 
point and reaches the sea on the other side. 
At high tide in verf calm weather a small 
boat is able to pass through this underground 
cavern. 

Further on we may see a Spouting Cave. 
Many similar caves may be observed at dif- 
ferent parts of the shore of the Island. The 
spoutings are made by the water dashing into 
caves beneath the surface of the sea and being 
expelled by the air which is compressed by 
the waves as they enter. The foam is sometimes 
thrown some 40 or SO feet high. 

We then come to the Stone Quarries, 
with its abandoned buildings still standing, and 
notice the Devil's Slide, a very steep gully 
running straight down the face of the rock into 
the sea from a height of about five hundred 
feet. 

We next come to Empire Landing, at 
the back of which we can see the derricks of 
the stone quarries where the beautiful serpen- 
tine stone is hewn from its native resting place. 
It is here that sheep are landed for Middle 
Ranch, a way between two wire fences leads 
the sheep to the ranch some six miles inland. 
A large ancient townsite is situated near this 
Landing and a ledge of steatite from which the 
Indians carved their "ollas" or mortars. 

We next pass a little beach which is not 
dignified by a name, and up the hill to the left 



we see what looks like a very large bear, but 
which is really vegetable in nature, and con- 
siderably larger than the wild animal to which 
it has a striking resemblance. 

The next point is called Gibraltar from its 
resemblance to the better known and certainly 
larger rock of the same name, and we now pass 
along a shore with steep clifils and perpendicular 
rocks, many of them red in color and fantastic 
in shape. Here eagles, herons, ravens, 
cormorants and gulls, and many other sea 
birds may be seen in large numbers. One 
point in these rocks goes by the name of Shag 
Rookery, where the clifl^s have many ledges 
on which the sea birds roost at night by 
thousands. 

Next comes Goat Harbor, which at one 
time was the landing place for Middle Ranch. 
Two trails will be noticed leading up from the 
harbor. The one on the right leads to Middle 
Ranch; the left one to an old silver mine back 
up the canyon, which is steep but beautifully 
wooded with cherry trees. There is a good well 
near the beach. Just before Goat Harbor we 
come to Chimney Beach, so called from the 
ruins of an old chimney of a pre-hisloric ston ■ 
house which lies a short way back. There is a 
rock standing out into the sea which goes by 
the name of Chimney Rock. 

The next point will be identified by the 
Twin Rocks and the towering peak above 
which is called Pinnacle Peak. After passing 
this we come to the Italian Gardens, so 
called from the Italian fishermen who used to 
come here from the mainland and who dried 
their nets upon this beach, making it look 
something like a garden. 

A short distance beyond the gardens there 
is a spot close to the shore where the water is 
always brilliantly green and which is known as 
the Green Spot; and beyond this comes Long 
Point, which marks the widest part of the 
Island. It is about seven miles from here to 
China Point. 

Close round Long Point we come to Button- 
shell Beach, where shells may be found, and 
soon afterwards we come to White's Landing, 
a wide and open canyon stretching right back 
to the foot of Black Jack. For many years 
a hermit named Swain, an old sea captain, 
lived in the shack which still remains upon this 
beach. It is believed, however, that he was 
preceded by another hermit who gave his name 
to the Landing, and planted the trees under 
which his home was situated. Near the Land- 
ing there are some fine rocks and a Roaring 
Cave which can be penetrated by the daring 
when attired in bathing costume. 

Further on we come to Moonstone Beach, 
visited every day by the glass-bottom motor 
boats, and where moonstones may actually be 
found, for even though it is hunted over so 
continually, fresh stones are washed up by the 
recurring tides. To the left as we enter Moon- 
stone Beach there is the Cave of the Spooks, 
which at certain times of the tide utters most 
mournful sounds, two distinct notes being 
audible at a distance of half mile or more. 
This is caused by the water of the tide filling 
the cave and compressing the air which finds an 
exit at the top. Anyone who has heard it on a 
quiet day will agree that it is mournful enough 



fishihg tackle actual size 



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Fishing Tackle 



WILSON'S GUIDE TO AVALON 



to satisfy all the spooks of all the dead and gone 
Indians who ever lived on Catalina Island. 
Rumor says that the tone of the spook's voice 
has been improved by art. There is another 
Spook Cave at the head of Long Point, so 
that the spooks may be said to call to one 
another across the bay. 

The next point of interest is Torqua Spring 
which is marked by a large reservoir, where 
fresh water can be obtained if it is needed. 
The spring is named after the Indian hero of 
Professor Holder's romance of Catalina (a good 
book for boys). Off Torqua Spring there is a 
great bank of kelp which makes an excellent 
fishing ground for row-boats and hand-lines. 

A short distance further on we come to 
Willow Cove, where there is a charming little 
house which was owned by Mr. Carraher, but 
which has lately passed to other hands. 

Further on we come to a wider beach 
called Camp Banning, a canyon at the foot 
of Mount Banning where the boys from the 



Whittier Reform School make their camp every 
summer. At least it is not strictly every 
summer, as if any of the boys attempt to escape 
from the camp they are all kept at home the 
following summer and lose their outing 
When the boys have left the Island the girls 
have their turn on the beach. 

Next we come to Gallagher's' Beach, a 
beautiful curve of shelving sand with a reef 
of rocks running out into the sea. These rocks 
can be climbed with ease and the fish can be 
seen swimming in the deep waters amongst the 
beautiful sea-weeds. This beach is an ideal 
spot for a row-boat picnic. 

A little further on Frog Rock will be easily 
recognized; and then comes Hamilton Beach, 
where row-boats are stored during the winter 
and repaired for summer use. Many an old 
boat finds its last resting place on this beach. 
.'\nd after this Descanso Canyon, where the 
beautiful home of Mr. Hancock Banning is 
situated; which is followed by Sugar Loaf 
and Avalon Harbor. 




'You Can Only Get at Me by Wireless' 



WILSON'S GUIDE TO AVALON 




All Yellowtail — Caught in One Day at Avalon. 

Prices 

The undermentioned prices are the charges usually made during the summer 
season at Avalon. They are given for the general information of visitors, but 
are not to be considered as being in any wa)" official. Out of the season lower 
prices may be obtained in some instances, notably in the rent of houses. 
Accommodation in Hotels, Rooming Houses and Tents, from 50 cents a da)-, 

upward. 
Tents, Small Tent for two persons, ^6.00 a week. 

Large Tent for four persons, ^ILOO to $14.00 per week; $2.00 a week extra 
for each additional person. 

Kitchen Tents, $LSO a week. 

In all cases a reduction is made when taken for a longer period. 
Furnished Houses may be rented from about $25.00 a week, upward. 
All Glass-Bottom Boats, per trip, 50 cents each person. 
Speed Motor-Boats — 

Short trip to Seal Rocks or Moonstone Beach $0 . 50 

To Isthmus 1 .00 

Excursion Launches — 

To Isthmus — Lunch included 1.00 

Round the Island, Lunch included 1 . 50 

Fishing Launches — 

Half Dav, $5.00; Whole Dav, $10.00. 

Large Launches, Half Day, $6.00; All Day, $12.00 or $15.00. 

Special terms when hired by the week. These prices include the use of rods, 
lines and bait. 
Sailing Boats — 

One hour, $1.00; two hours, $1.50; half dav, $2.00. 

All day, $3.50. 

Small Sloop, $4.00 a day. 



WILSON'S GUIDE TO AVALON 

Row Boats — 

One hour, 25 cents; half day, $1.00; all day, $1.50. 

These prices include the use of hand-lines and bait. Fishing Rods may be 

rented. 
By the week. Flat-bottom Boats, $4.00; Round-bottom Boats, $5.00. 

Driving, Stage Coach to Summit, Round Trip, $1.00. 

Riding Horses, $3.00 per day. 

Hunting, Goats, Quail and Doves. Horses, $3.00 each. Guide $5.00. A horse 
must be taken for the guide. 
Rifles and Shot Guns, 50 cents a day. 

Hotels. In the following is a list of Hotels, the numbers and letters are 
references to the locations as shown on Wilson's Map of Avalon. 

D4, 5 
D5 
D5 
D5 
DS 
DS 





HOTELS 




6 Metropole 


1 


Grand View 


C4 


7 Stamford 


2 


Pacific 


C4, 5 


8 Hermosa 


3 


Bay View 


CD4 


9 Central 


4 


Rose 


C4 


10 Del Mar 


5 


Catalina 


C5 


11 Glenmore 



There are also numerous Rooming-houses, Apartments, Flats, Camps, etc., 
for rent. 

WE WILL MEET YOU AT AVALON 




Announcements 



Trips 



Order Information 



McAfee's Wonderful 

Searchlight Trips 

The '"Catalina Fl\'er," tlie "Geco" and the "Comet" are the onl\- 
original boats engaged in showing this wonderful sight, tlie only trip 
of its kind in the world. 

In order to see the Flying Fish properly it is necessary to go in 
boats of great speed fitted with powerful searchlights. The above 
named boats are fitted with penetrating searchlights with wide angle 
dispersing lenses, which are by far the most powerful of any at Avalon. 

THOUSANDS OF FLYING FISH 

roused by the searchlight 

(See cut on next page) 

The Catalina Fh'er has a new searchlight of extraordinary power 
which rouses every Fh'ing Fish in the sea. There is nothing like it on 
any other boat. 

Take the Catalina Flyer, the Geco or the Comet to see the 

Flying Fish Dance the Tango 

Thousands of Flying Fish may be seen at the same time rising 
under the powerful searchlights of the Catalina Flyer, the Geco and 
the Comet. 

DAYLIGHT TRIPS 

every day to Seal Rocks, The Isthmus or Round the Island, showing 
many Flying Fish and all points of interest. Freedom from seasick- 
ness guaranteed on these rapid boats. 



For all boating trips consult the ticket agents of the 

Catalina Excursion Co. 

JOSEPH McAfee, Piesidcm 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




